My old dove's crop is hard and swollen after eating raw egg. Why?

It's possible that the bread is caught in the crop or isn't breaking down and digesting. Birds should also not be given dairy products as it can lead to diarrhea and dehydration. It is best to stick with a formulated baby bird food until your bird is old enough to begin adding in solids (usually a balanced adult diet) to their meals. If the crop remains swollen or Marcos appears listless, doesn't want to eat, or in pain it is best to seek veterinary care immediately.

It's possible there could be an infection brewing in the crop (sour crop) or even an impaction depending on what Simba has been eating. If the crop is very swollen, or bothersome to the point that he is attempting to pick at it, it would be best to bring SImba into a local vet for care. They can take a look, remove any impacted debris and may recommend an antibiotic or fungal medication to get him feeling better.

It's possible you could be overfilling his crop, causing him to regurgitate up some of the extra food. Checking his crop (located on the neck, it will feel like a little balloon when full, or be visible if his feathers haven't grown in) can alert you if he's full or not. If it's full, waiting a bit to feed him again or decreasing the amount fed and just feeding more often can help. If his crop is always full, or he is unable to keep any food down, having a vet take a look to rule out issues such as obstruction or illness is best.

Thanks for reaching out about your pigeon. Crop problems can be infections (bacterial, fungal, yeast), a crop foreign body or other problem, so a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Monitor appetite and water consumption. If you look into the mouth, can you see a white film, do you smell anything? Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about your bird and including photos. A crop infection with a yeast (Candida) is highly likely, but bacteria could also be a component. Without medication, recovery is unlikely. Supply heat support in the 80-85 F range for immune support. Schedule a veterinary visit for prescription of medications. Good luck.

Hello! The crop is supposed to enlarge as it is filling, but his heaving makes me worry that he could have aspirated some of the food into his lungs and may be at risk for pneumonia. I would recommend surrendering him into a wildlife sanctuary or a veterinary hospital that cares for wildlife. They will have baby bird formula and avian electrolyte supplements for optimal nutrition and can give him antibiotics if necessary. This will give him the best chance of survival. I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thanks for reaching out about Rick and including a photo. An over-sized crop can be due to over-eating or a disease. Crop infections (bacteria, fungal), ingested foreign bodies and obstructions, systemic illness are all possibilities. Check and correct husbandry, as baby birds need to be kept warm. If the crop appears firm, offering small amounts of water and massaging the crop might help. If Rick appears ill, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.